Justice Kelly leaving Michigan Supreme Court

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Mary Beth Kelly is leaving the bench for private practice with more than three years left in her term.
 
The court announced the 53-year-old Kelly's surprise departure Monday.
 
She says in a statement she is "grateful" to have served on Michigan's highest court and leaves knowing the judicial system is better equipped to help families and children. Her departure is effective Oct. 1.
 
Kelly won election in 2010 as a Republican nominee. GOP nominees have a 5-2 edge on the court.
 
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder will name a successor, who could run in 2016 to finish the remainder of Kelly's term through 2018.
 
Kelly is the only woman to be chief judge of the Wayne County Circuit Court. She is joining the Bodman firm in Detroit.